Karlene Simonsen Tingey

Our wonderful loving mother, grandmother, and friend, Karlene Simonsen Tingey, 79, returned to her Heavenly Father and her eternal companion, September 14, 2022, surrounded by her children and the kind staff at The Seasons Assisted Living in Farr West.

Karlene was born December 7, 1942, in Ogden, Utah the daughter of Ione Russell and Jens Lang Simonsen. She was the 5th child and second daughter of her parents who divorced when Karlene was very young. Jens later married Irene Christensen Simonsen and had two more children. At the young age of 4, Karlene was adopted by Irene and sealed to her parents in the Logan LDS Temple. 

A lifelong resident of Willard, Karlene attended Willard Elementary and continued on to graduate from Box Elder High School. This is where she met the love of her life, Allan Reid Tingey. Allan and Karlene were high school sweethearts who later married on September 27, 1962, in the Logan LDS Temple. They made their home in Willard where they raised their four children and were active members of the small community. Karlene was a devoted and loving wife to Allan for nearly 60 years. Her patient care and undying compassion was such a comfort to him through the final years of his life. 

Karlene was a dedicated and generous mother who taught through example, nurtured with kindness, and encouraged with enthusiasm! She spent countless hours making cookies, cupcakes, and brownies for bake sales, holiday carnivals, and classroom parties. She had a playful spirit and was a master at creating Halloween costumes from whatever was on hand. She loved her children deeply and was always happy to support their many activities. This support did not end with her children; she became a frequent fan and cheerleader for her grandchildren’s activities too. From sporting events to musical performances to dance recitals, Grandma was always there with a proud smile and congratulatory hug! Her family was everything to her; she loved them dearly. She enjoyed celebrating birthdays, holidays, and many milestones in each of their lives.

Karlene was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a member of the Willard 2nd Ward where she served in many positions through the years such as the Young Women’s president, a member of the Stake Primary Presidency, and a dedicated visiting teacher as well as many callings to teach Primary, Sunday School, and Relief Society. Later in life Karlene and Allan served as tour guides at the Brigham City Tabernacle and frequently visited the temple.

Karlene graduated from cosmetology school and worked as a beautician for many years. Later she found her calling as a teacher’s aide in the special education departments of Lakeview Elementary and then Adele C. Young Intermediate School in Brigham City. She retired from teaching in 2005 after 16 years with Box Elder School District.

Karlene is survived by her four children: Allyson (Dean) Child; Ryan (Devery) Tingey; Lara Lee (Dan Roper) Tingey; Kortney (Mark) Tolman; siblings: Dennis (Beth) Simonsen, Jerene (Troy) Burbank, and Charles (Marco) Simonsen; 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her eternal sweetheart, Allan, both of her parents: Jens and Irene; and siblings: Larry Simonsen, Russell Simonsen, Patricia Leavitt.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks and appreciation for the many acts of kindness and compassion provided by the staff and fellow residents at The Seasons Assisted Living facility, Dr. Ali Ahmed Fazili with the Pulmonary Clinic at LDS Hospital, and Carra Brandley with McKay-Dee Internal Medicine Clinic. We would also like to thank the many neighbors and friends who were always there and willing to help at a moment’s notice. A special thanks goes to lifelong friends and neighbors, Del and Joyce Fredde, for their generosity, as well as Diane Zundel and Nonna Mae Carr for their friendship and weekly visits that Mom cherished.

Funeral services will be Friday, September 23, 2022, at 11:30 am Willard Peak Chapel, 655 W. 7615 S., Willard, UT. Viewings will be Thursday, September 22, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Myers Mortuary, 205 S. 100 E., Brigham City, UT and Friday, September 23, 2022, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Church. Interment will be in the Brigham City Cemetery.

The Funeral Service will be livestreamed and can be viewed using this link: https://zoom.us/j/97499915782.

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